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The Noble Guardian

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Member Reviews

A wonderful conclusion to an amazing series. I enjoyed every aspect of this story, the history, the suspense, the drama, and the romance. Looking forward to seeing what else Michelle Griep will bring to us next.

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(3 stars) – if you can overlook some rather large plot holes, you’ll enjoy the ride

The premise of this book drew me to it, and the writing is good, but there were several major questions about the plot as it developed. I’ll admit to having enjoyed the story, anyway, despite some pretty big problems with it. It was a cinderella story with a fairytale-ish superficiality to it, but then I’ve loved fairytales since I was a kid & I really enjoyed seeing Samuel get his happily-ever-after..

***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I could buy the idea that a young woman from an abusive home might naively delude herself into believing that she was going to a better situation. However, even if she were sheltered & inexperienced with life’s dangers, she would have known, from her sisters if nothing else, that it was inappropriate for women of her station to travel with only a maid, and her abusive family would have known that it would considerably damage THEIR reputation if word got out that they had done so – as it likely would because townspeople would have noted & commented on it all along the way. It would have worked better to have her sent with the necessary minimum of attendants & then be separated from them along the way so that she needed the Captain’s help.

Additionally, even if a suitor were only interested in marriage for what he could gain materially from the match, he would be interested in keeping her happy & safe at least until he had successfully gotten his hands on her money. Instead he was such a blatant scuzz that there’s no way Abby marrying him could have helped the wicked stepsisters make better matches – the family would have needed him to be someone with reasonably good “ton”. It would have worked better for him to hide his scuzziness & indifference, and have Abby find out by overhearing or accidentally seeing something.

There were other issues, but these are the ones that are the hardest to overlook.
***END SPOILERS***

Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: generic Christian, not preachy

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The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep is the final novel in the Bow Street Runners Trilogy. I must confess, however, a strong desire to hear more from the characters in this series, I do not believe their story is over just yet.

Worn and weary, Samuel Thatcher, now a horse patrol captain, has been saving for a dream, a dream where he can retire and purchase a small farm far away from the city, and live in peace.

Abigail Gilbert has endured more than anyone suspects. Her father seemed to have forgotten her when he remarried, leaving Abigail in the hands of a ruthless and mean stepmother. Father has agreed to marry her off to a man she has only met once, a handsome viscount. At the last moment, Abigail’s stepmother pulls the man assigned to guard her during her journey, allowing only the timid handmaid to travel along.

The road is fraught with danger, including unscrupulous highwaymen who are without conscience, robbing travelers of all their belongings and abandoning them along the highway. When Samuel Thatcher comes upon the aftermath of such a robbery, he finds a lovely and very determined Abigail Gilbert. Despite Samuel’s repeated warnings she must not attempt to go on alone, Abigail has nothing to return to so sets her determination to move forward, toward her betrothed. Abigail soon finds herself in a bit of trouble once again and who should happen to be there to rescue her, Samuel.

Samual adamantly refuses her repeated requests to escort her to her betrothed, his assignment simply does not require him to travel that far or in that direction. After Abigail promises him that her betrothed is a very rich and fine man, who will pay him handsomely for delivering her, Samuel finally agrees to be her guardian. Even though the road is still fraught with danger, the two face it together, running into more than their share of characters and mishaps.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Noble Guardian and highly recommend it along with the first two books of the trilogy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.

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Though I consider myself a reader of inspirational romance, I do find it cloying at times. My rule is to keep my inspie romance reads on spare occasions … until I read Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian. What a refreshing voice and ethos! I want to read ALL the Grieps. (She is to historical inspie what Kara Isaac is to contemporary, breathing new life into the subgenre.) The religious element is present, but more in the characters’ personalities and actions, less in finger-wagging didacticism. In The Noble Guardian, Griep’s protagonists occasionally enjoy ale, travel together chaperoned only by a one-year-old adorable moppet, and share affection, passion, and desire that is more palpably sexy than many an explicit, pages-long love scene. There’s a shared horse ride that is sensually magnificent.

Moreover, Griep’s Regency setting, with its evil, violent highwaymen and the eponymous “noble guardian,” Samuel Thatcher, is beautifully developped. Our heroine, Abigail Gilbert, “Abby”, hires Samuel to act as protective escort on her journey to her fiancé, Sir Jonathan Aberley. They travel Regency England’s dangerous byways, sleeping in inns, deflecting dangerous criminals, braving stormy weather, and caring for a tyke named Emma, the daughter of one of Samuel’s fellow-veterans too grief-stricken over the death of his wife to care for her himself. On this at times joyful, at times sad, at times perilous journey, Abby and Samuel banter, converse, share their lives, and grow to love one another and their charge, Emma.

I loved Abby and Samuel as individuals as much as I did their growing love and friendship. They are, at first, an unlikely pair. Samuel is a hardened Bow Street runner, a man grown weary of the day-to-day confrontation with evil and violence. While he remains a man of faith, noble bearing and intent, he wants nothing more than to rally sufficient finances to buy a small farm and work the land. He is world-weary and heart-sore. Meeting Abby doesn’t result in Samuel’s sudden conversion to light and love thanks to her “specialness.” No, he notices how pretty she is, also annoying, persistent, and privileged. He comes to see her in a new light as she interacts with Emma and him, as she exhibits bravery, kindness, and intelligence. Abby, in turn, notes how attractive Samuel is, but she also finds him dour, stubborn, and rough. She too comes to recognize his qualities of consideration, affection, loyalty, and humour.

Samuel and Abby realize they have more in common than apart, given their cross-class status. Samuel came from a deprived abusive childhood. Abby has endured her stepmother’s abuse, father’s neglect, and stepsisters’ scorn. If not for her dowry, she’s Cinderella. Abby’s hopes for a life of love and family, at first, lie with her fiancé. While Samuel has to recognize that he’s worthy of Abby no matter his humble beginnings, Abby has to see that Samuel is where love, safety, and happiness lie. Their shared journey furnishes the matrix for their realizations. Griep builds her romance on compatibility, care, admiration, and desire.

What also charmed me about Griep’s Noble Guardian was her wonderful turns of phrase. Griep’s writing is elegant and her metaphors surprise and delight. I loved this description of Abby’s pride: “she lifted her chin before the trap of self-pity snapped shut.” As you know, dear readers, any heroine “chin” is fascinating and pleasing to me. I loved the metaphor of Abby contemplating bidding Samuel farewell: “But why did the thought of saying goodbye to this rough-and-tumble man feel like lightning struck her soul, leaving behind a hollowed trunk that might not stand without him?” And the banter? Sheer fun: ” ‘I did not take you for a religious man.’ ‘In my line of work, you run either from God or toward Him.’ … ‘You are a starry-eyed dreamer, lady.’ ‘And you are a dour old naysayer.’ ”

And remember when I said this was sexy? Here’s Samuel when Abby wakes him during one of their many inn nights: “The captain stood, feet planted wide and muscles straining against the thin fabric of his shirt. Dark hair peeked out on his chest, just below his collarbone, matching the dark stubble on his clenched jaw.” Also, manly-smell is done particularly well: “Strong arms broke her fall, lifting her up against a chest that smelled of leather and horses and man. Her face pressed against a warm neck, and for the first time in her life, she felt safe. Protected. As if the arms of God himself held her aloft. Ahh, but she could live here.” There’s woman-smell too!: “Though he ought not, Samuel leaned closer and inhaled her orange-water scent, the sweet fragrance mixing with the wildness of the storm. If he bent any nearer, his lips would be against the bare flesh of her neck, and the craving to taste that skin charged through him, settling low in his belly.” I’ll let you read the horse ride and the two lovely shared kisses for yourself!

Michelle Griep’s romance is wonderful from start to finish as it tells the story of two souls who help each other learn to live on love and hope, who share laughter and sorrow and can be as easily imagined as passionate lovers as they can responsible, loving parents, as they can elderly, beloved companions. The fire in the belly, the light in the heart, built on faith, hope, and love. With Miss Austen, we say that Griep’s The Noble Guardian is evidence “there is no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.

Michelle Griep’s The Noble Guardian is published by Barbour Publishing. It was released on June 1st and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-galley from Barbour Publishing, via Netgalley.

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This is a completely satisfying, historical novel. There is a small modicum of romance involved necessary to the plot. The setting is Regency England and there is a bit of a Christian under note with the main characters. I found the characters to be likable, believable in their actions and enjoyable to spend time with. I would definitely read more stories of the two main characters although the story was wrapped up in a satisfying manner that didn’t feel rushed or unnecessary. I am thankful to #netgalley for the opportunity to enjoy #thenobleguardian ahead of publication.

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The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Story Notes

Michelle Griep concludes her Bow Street Runners Trilogy with a well written, high action story that will leave readers wishing they could be rescued by such an wonderful hero.

What a good story! This was the thought that ran through my head as I read this book. I love historical fiction and especially those based in England so this was a good choice for a review book. However, I was very glad to see all the unexpected action/adventure that was included in this book, too. Abigail Gilbert has left her childhood home with only her companion to travel to her fiance’s home to prepare for her marriage. While she has only met her fiance once, she was smitten with his looks and his treatment of her. Now, if only she can make it to her new home. But those plans will be thrown over entirely with the attack of a much feared highwayman intent on taking more than just Abby’s possessions. Samuel Thatcher successfully interrupts the attack, killing the leader and severely wounding his accomplice. But the dead man has a more violent brother who will stop at nothing to avenge his brother’s death. Unwilling to let Abby continue on without a guard, Samuel offers to take her to her new home. His price is more than money, however, as he needs help to take the daughter of a good friend to her aunt in a nearby town. Thus, Abby and Samuel agree to help each other make the journey. Making their way proves troublesome as they try to move with speed and care for the infant they are transporting. And when little Emma becomes ill, more time is required before they can move on. As they both find ways to help the other on the journey, they will discover that there is much more to like about the other than meets the eye. And they will need the strength, courage and grace they find in each other when they finally arrive at Abby’s new home. Nothing is as she hoped and she will have to decide what she really wants out of life and love. As I said before, this book had much to like. From the well written characters to the witty dialogue, this book will definitely be one that readers will come back to more than once. I’m always a fan of very strong, heroic men in stories who are trying to find a way to move beyond the rough life they have led thus far. They are always in need of a gentling hand of a lady who can come alongside to lend strength and courage when needed. I was really glad to see that Ms. Griep gave both main characters a strong personality that worked well off the other. The developing relationship between Samuel and Abby was very natural and expected. The danger and intrigue they experienced was also well done without being over the top. And the journey of faith that each experienced was very good as well. Nothing seemed out of place nor was a thread of the story left hanging at the end. I will certainly be recommending this book to others and know they will find it very good. I’m very glad to see that Ms. Griep is continuing to write such enjoyable stories.

I received this book free of charge from Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

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I have not visited England, although my children have. I enjoy reading books about places I may never visit - The Noble Guardian provided that field trip for me.

Set in 1815 at a time of arranged marriages and highway robbers, The Noble Guardian, contains both danger and romance. Michelle Griep has given the reader characters to hate as well as characters to love. Watching the relationship grow between Abby and her guardian leaves the reader with speculation as to how this developing love will be resolved once Abby has been delivered to her betrothed.

I always appreciate it when authors provide some historical background for their novels. Michelle Griep does that with historical notes at the end of the book. She includes information about highwayman, the magistrates of Bow Street, physicians vs. surgeons vs. apothecaries, coaching inns, and about two health ailments mentioned in the story: croup and putrid throat. She also includes a bibliography which would be helpful for readers who want to do some research of their own.

I would not hesitate to add The Noble Guardian to my K-12 Christian School library. The book is appropriate for high schoolers and maybe some middle schoolers.

I received a complimentary e-copy through Net Galley.

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Great ending to the Bow Runner series! Anyone who has read the first two books should definitely read this last one. It is full of adventure, action, some mystery and sweet romance. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed their back stories. I did feel however that one back story could've been delved into a little deeper. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading more of this author's books. Thanks to net galley for providing this publication in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Enjoyed this book. Kept me interested all the way through. Would recommend to a fellow reader. Love the cover.

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This is the first book that I have read in the Bow Street Runners series by Michelle Griep but the book could be read as a stand-alone. I loved being introduced to Samuel and Abby. Abby is sent off to marry a baronet after her family does not need to have her around. Times are hard as many carriages are robbed by highwaymen during travels and Abby is sent without a manservant during the journey. Samuel's life has not been easy. He does not want to get straddled with anything or anyone. When life's circumstances bring Abby and Samuel together, Samuel is struggling with his feelings. He is supposed to be delivering Abby to the baronet but, now with a baby in tow along with Abby, things change. I loved reading about Samuel and Abby's journey and how they finally realize their feelings. Great historical fiction and I love the fact that Ms. Griep includes the history part in the back of the book. I will definitely be reading more of Ms. Griep's books.

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This was an all right book. Definitely not my favorite by Michelle Griep, an author I love. Fun plot and engaging characters. Good for Christian historical fiction fans that like adventurous novels.

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I read a lot of historical Christian fiction, and for a few years now, my absolute number one, favorite book has been The Captive Heart, by Michelle Griep. Well, I have a new favorite -- The Noble Guardian. Such a romp! What fun characters -- a quiet, jaded lawman thrown together with a spunky, optimistic lady on her way to marry someone else. Somehow, even though you know exactly where this journey will end, the ride is so great, you don't mind. Ms. Griep's writing style shines with vivid scenes and compelling characters. So quit scrolling through reviews and get this book :)
Thanks so much to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy in order to supply my honest opinion.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Noble Guardian is a well written, captivating novel which follows the story of a young damsel in distress searching for freedom and pining to be wanted. Escaping, for lack of a more appropriate word, from the clutches of an evil stepmother, she lets nothing hinder her in her quest to get to her fiance whom she has met and believed to have fallen in love with at a ball. Ofcourse, with any damsel in distress story, we are introduced to her knight in shining armour. This is a beautifully written story with an equally beautiful and fitting ending.

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A fairly predictable installment that finishes her series nicely, A Noble Guardian offers much for those seeking faith-filled romantic historical fiction. Emphasis on the faith-filled romance. If you're looking for that, you'll find a pleasant few hours reading this novel.

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"The Noble Guardian" tells the story of the very harrowing trip of a young woman. As she travels to her arranged marriage, the heroine encounters storms, accidents, highwaymen, and illness, among other trials and tribulations. She finds her escort and protector in a police officer who is involved in hunting down a notorious highwayman. In the process of traveling to her destination, Abby also acquires guardianship of a baby girl, whom she comes to adore. Upon reaching her final destination, Abby also finds a surprise is in store when she meets her intended spouse!

This book is filled with adventure, suspense, both evil and good people, fights, and romance. The Christian aspect is covert for most of the book, with a few overt scenes that deal with people who are seeking peace and God's way for their lives. This aspect of the story adds to the plot interest. Readers who enjoy action and suspense along with their romance reading will find this book intriguing.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Can they each find the peace they both desire?

Now that I've read a few of Michelle Griep's books I've come to expect a lot from her. Her trademark is historical romance with flawed but likable characters and a nice healthy dash of suspense.

The Noble Guardian started out a little slow for me, more historical romancy at first, but then, boy, howdy did it take off and I was totally immersed in the story. This book really has it all, lots of atmosphere on the wild roads of Regency England, danger, mystery, and, of course, romance between two polar opposite characters that you can't help but love. There are also some surprising secondary characters, both the wonderful and the menacing.

One of my favorite parts of the book was getting to learn so much about travel and accommodations in Regency era England. Do you know what a postilion was? I didn't until I read The Noble Guardian.

I really enjoyed my foray into history with The Bow Street Runners and now that I've finished The Noble Guardian I can't wait for Michelle Griep's next exciting novel...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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Abigail (Abby) Gilbert has been raised by an indifferent father and a hateful stepmother and stepsisters. Now her father has betrothed her to a baronet. She is being sent off with only her maid and an inexperienced coachman to make her way through the English highlands that are currently plagued with highwaymen. Samuel Thatcher, a Bow Street runner, encounters Abigail when she is stopped by highwaymen and her coachmen is killed.

Filled with action, danger, and romantic adventure, Michelle Griep has penned another wonderful historical romantic suspense novel. Each of the books in this series reads well as a stand alone even though there are a few connections in each because the heroes of each are Bow Street Runners. Abby is filled with caring sweetness; yet at the same time, she is a fighter. Samuel is a dark, brooding, appealing hero who is loyal, protective, caring, and honorable. And, of course, baby Emma steals the limelight every time she appears.

Michelle Griep excels at bringing this time period to life and creates memorable characters that fill the story with life and adventure. Her historical notes at the end added interesting information regarding this time period.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.

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I've come to appreciate and enjoy Michelle Griep's historical fiction.

My initial thoughts as I began the book was that it felt like a Cinderella retelling- a beautiful young lady, hated by her two stepsisters and stepmother. Abby is betrothed to a gentleman, and needs to leave to go marry him, but none of her family can be bothered to accompany her on the difficult journey, or even come to her wedding. So she's sent off with only her maid to travel with her. Then they encounter all kinds of difficulties.

This of course is where the hero comes in. Captain Thatcher. At first, Abby mistakenly assumed him for a highwayman. But that's because they'd already been chased after by some of those bad guys.

Folks, This is just the beginning! Well-written, lovely setting, and much, much more.

If you enjoy historical fiction, read it! This is the final book in a series, but can also be read as a stand alone.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

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The Noble Guardian is another exceptional read by author Griep. First off, the cover is one of my favorites of a gentleman prominently displayed. It also represents the story and sets the mood very well. The story inside is packed with love, romance, action, adventure, and highwaymen nobody in their right minds would want to come across.
Abigail Gilbert had a bit of a Cinderella vibe going on with her family history and I felt her desperation and hope as she travels toward the man that she believes is her prince. However, along the way some really bad men decide to throw a wrench into her plans and her destination is delayed many times over.
Enter Officer Samuel Thatcher who is tired of the inhumanity of lawless men and women and just wants to retire to a nice farm someplace off the beaten path. Unfortunately a very evil man has set his revenge and sights on doing away with Samuel and all those he may care about.
Thrown together quite by accident, Samuel and Abigail along with a precocious baby girl must travel through a dangerous trek of land fighting not only weather and men’s evil but their growing attraction to one another. Gruff Samuel and tender Abigail may have set their hopes on all the wrong things.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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WOW!! This is my first book by Michelle Griep, but it won't be my last. It's 1815 and Abigail Gilbert (Abby) is leaving home to travel across England to the man she's to marry. It's just her and her maid--no footman or manservant to protect them on such a long journey. Abigail turns down the offer to hire a sharpshooter which she later regrets, and she and her maid (who's quite outspoken for a maid) are saved from attackers by Samuel Thatcher, who's growing tired of his job. Captain Thatcher agrees to guard Abby the rest of her journey because the money she offers will allow him to quit his job and buy some land, if they can make it to her destination.

Abby's treatment by her stepmother and half-sisters reminded me of Cinderella. It's obvious her stepmother hates her and Abby's the one who put forth the effort to be friends with her half-sisters. I often wondered why her father allowed her to be treated that way, as it's not explained except to say "Father had been too preoccupied with his new wife, and her stepmother truly had only space for one love in heart--herself." Her stepmother ridiculed her up to the time she left her her journey and she was the only one around to see her off--if that's what you want to call it. Her father was not home as they were all going abroad to visit her brother. Abby's also quite naive as to how the world works and the dangers out there facing her in such a long journey. She also built up what her intended, Sir Johnathon Aberley baronet, would be like. She only met him once at a ball but is so sure he's good and kind she promises Samuel that Johnathon will pay him when she arrives safely.

Captain Samuel Thatcher is a man who's seen a lot in his years as a Runner. He's ready to buy a piece of property and have a quiet life. Money to be able to do that is the sole reason he escorts Abby's carriage across the heath and to her betrothed, Sir Johnathon Aberley baronet. Samuel can come across at times like a hard man, but when he agrees to take his friend's baby girl to her Aunt, it seems to soften his edges.

There's a lot of adventure in this story--bandits, a baby to deliver, a fair, so this is far from a boring read. I enjoyed seeing how Samuel and Abby had less conflicts and started to get along as their journey progressed. By the time she got to her destination they had started having feelings for each other and baby Emma. I love how this story ended. This is the third in the Bow Street Runners series, but the first I've read. I wasn't lost or confused by not reading the previous books, but now I really want to read them.

This is a clean read (just kissing) as far as romance. There is some violence, and perilous situations.

Thanks to Barbour Publishing, Inc. and NetGalley for my copy. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

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